Social Class & Mobility

Question 1

What was the impact of the Industrial Revolution on Victorian England? (3)

Answer 1

1. Enabled capitalists and mass manufacturers to amass large fortunes.
2. Probably also contributed towards class divides
3. Supported and enabled social mobility and consumerism.

Question 2

Briefly describe Victorian ideas of social class. (4)

Answer 2

1. ppl were expected to know their place and act as such.
2. Your experience of Victorian society was entirely dependent on your class, gender and financial status.
3. The idea of a “criminal class” was created.
4. The established career for women was only marriage.

Question 3

How is the theme of social class presented through Pip? (2)

Answer 3

1. “Coarse hands” are a product of labour - his fixation on it is what sources his shame over his poor origins and is a symbol of such that he carries with him almost entirely throughout the novel. Hands is a recurring motif that I believe isd thought to represent your identity, so the state of Pip’s hands may suggest that harsh labour and commonality are integral parts of his identity.
2. “Common” reminds Pip that M.H and Estella are part of a minority of ppl - this could be comforting but has an adverse effect as Pip only wishes to become part of this minority. He values individuality and does not like being a part of the majority.

Question 4

How is the theme of social class presented through Joe? (1)

Answer 4

“Which I meantersay, Pip…which I meantersay, sir”

• the change in the way in which he refers to Pip, from his beloved childhood nickname to the now cold and distant title reminds us that they are no longer as close as they were before, the only difference being that Pip’s attitude has changed now that he has begun to come into his expectations, showing that social class and the Victorian beliefs of how one should behave according to such, severs close relations and favours relationships with those on the same social standing.

Question 5

How is the theme of social class presented through Estella? (1)

Answer 5

“Coarse hands and boots”

• shows the upper class’ perception of the working class such that they felt an immense degree of superiority over them, as their hands nor their boots were never coarse or unsightly b/c they would never have had to do any manual labour. She might have thought of Pip as only useful to the extent that he can work.

Question 6

How is the theme of social class presented through Jaggers?

Answer 6

“I’ll have no feelings here”

• shows that in order to be successful and fit into the upper class, one must discard their “feelings” and assume a cruel and apathetic demanour. Also shows Dickens’ negative view of the upper class.